HB505 Summary

• Amends Section 12-18-10 of the Alabama Code to allow unmarried justices or judges to designate a beneficiary to receive spousal benefits upon retirement and death.

• Designated beneficiary receives the same spousal benefit as a surviving spouse: three percent of the judge's former salary per year of service, not to exceed 30 percent, payable monthly for the beneficiary's lifetime or until remarriage.

• If an unmarried retired judge subsequently marries someone other than the designated beneficiary, the spousal benefits automatically transfer to the new spouse.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and Governor approval or upon becoming law.